Oil Pressure Sending Unit Socket

cults3d

My 2014 Voltswagon Routan (Dad mobile minivan) had a faulty Oil Pressure Sending Unit. The dealership wanted over $300 to replace it, insisting the upper and lower intake needed to be removed just to get to the sensor and would take 2.5hrs to complete the job. I could see the sensor and thought I could get a socket on it. After some trials with different "sensor" sockets from my local auto parts store I realized the tools just could not fit in to the tight space. Hmmm, what can I do? 3d print a custom tool, that is what I can do! I purchased a replacement oil pressure sending unit and used the dimensions of it to design my own socket using Solidworks. The sensor hex dimension is 1-1/16" 12 cents in filament and 20 minutes later my oil pressure sending unit was replaced and the check engine light reset! Woo Hoo! Much better than $300 and 2.5hrs. The torque spec for the sensor for my vehicle was 15 ft/lbs. I printed this in PLA and it did hold up, although there was some distortion in the 3/8" socket end. Just a note, the engine is a Chrysler 3.6L (transversely mounted), same as used in the Chrysler Town & Country and the Caravan. Good luck and I hope this can save someone some time and money.